10 Facts About Marijuana

• Published by Editorial Staff
• Posted on January 14, 2013
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Marijuana is a mind-altering drug which ranks as the most well-known illicit tranquilize used within the U.S. It is a mixture of dried blossoms, leaves and stems from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. The principle dynamic part in pot is THC (delta 9 tetrahedron). The prominent role of THC in the production of marijuana makes it the most frequently discussed compound but it’s one of the compounds in marijuana that cause an impact on health.

It’s also worth mentioning that when a person consumes marijuana a number of factors determine what is ingested, including the variation of plant strain, harvest and cultivation modes used and the route of ingestion. Although marijuana has become legal in Washington State, but is that enough to justify that it is safe for human use? Here are some facts that might proves beneficial for you to draw conclusions about the drug.

1. After Alcohol Marijuana is the most popular drug that is being used worldwide
   According to a survey, it is estimated that 162 million adults are using marijuana once every year and 22.5 million are using it daily, worldwide. Marijuana is the most commonly used drug in United States as well. There were an estimated number of 100 million Americans who have used marijuana once in their life, out of which 25 million were found to be smoking marijuana in the previous year. According to another survey 6,000 Americans use marijuana every day for the first time.
2. People who consume marijuana are less likely to get their brain tissues damaged as compared to those who consume alcohol
   A research was conducted by neuroscientists at the University of California, San Diego; on 92 people belong with the age group of 16 to 20, having a history of alcohol and marijuana consumption. This research almost took a year and a half; where the brains of the participants were scanned before and after the abstinence of the restricted drugs of both the groups. The research showed reduced white matter, essential for brain tissue health of the participants taking 5 or more alcoholic drinks two times a week as compared to the participants taking marijuana 9 times a week. Moreover, brain scans of marijuana users did not show any change in their brain tissue health.
3. Marijuana has proven as an aid to cure various diseases
   For Cancer patients going under chemotherapy it has proven to be helpful in reducing nausea, it also helps to stimulate appetite of patients with AIDS and for people having glaucoma, it has been found helpful in the reduction of intraocular pressure. Patients with neurological disorders have also been cured as marijuana helps to reduce muscle spasticity. It has the special chemicals inside it which causes the nerves relief and fastens the flow of blood in brain.
4. People using Marijuana at some stage get addicted to the drug
   According to NDA, almost 9% of marijuana users got permanently dependent on the drug. This number is increasing alarmingly in young people who have been using marijuana; that is 1 out of 6 youngsters is an addict. Also 25% to 50% of daily users are addicted to the drug. A professor from the University of Washington’s School of Social Work, Roger Roffman states that daily use of the drug increases the risk of becoming dependent on the drug. Those who try to quit need medical assistance to get over the addiction.
   
5. The effects of Marijuana may result in short-term cognitive impairment
   The side effects of these drugs include temporary altered thoughts, delayed information processing and sometimes short-term memory loss. Sometimes the use of the drug may result in distorted perception and increased pulse rate. According to some researches, young people using marijuana have shown lower achievement levels in academics and job performances. People using marijuana complained that they lack concentration and face ambiguities while assembling their thoughts and also lose their multitasking ability. The only component responsible for such conditions are THC; an ingredient found in marijuana, destroys the process of chemical building known as endocannabinoids, which is helpful for brain to gain its maturity. The study was conducted by National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Flowering Cannabis Plant

6. More than 200 slang terms have been derived for Marijuana
   The most common names used for the drugs are pot, weed, hash, grass and ganja. The scientific name of the drug is Cannabis and the most commonly used name in America is marijuana.
7. Marijuana Negatively Affect The Ability To Drive
   Cannabis usage has been shown to negatively affect the ability to drive. The British Medical Journal recently indicated that “Drivers who consume cannabis within three hours of driving are nearly twice as likely to cause a vehicle collision as those who are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol”
8. Using marijuana during pregnancy increases the chance that babies will have birth defects
   Smoking marijuana during pregnancy may affect the baby’s growth and the development of his nervous system. Children who were exposed to marijuana during pregnancy sometimes have problems focusing their attention and solving problems. Children of heavy pot users may also have problems with short-term memory, concentration, and judgment.
9. More than 800,000 people are arrested each year for marijuana
   Approximately 52% of all drug arrests reported in United States compromise on marijuana cases. Decade ago the percentage was just 44$ of all drug arrests. Roughly 46% of all drug prosecutions nationwide are for marijuana possession and off those 46%, about 86% are charged due to the possession only. The remaining 14% are charged with “sale/manufacture” only.
10. Study by CBS News finds that nearly half of American’s now support the legalization of pot
    According to a poll held by CBS News, 47 percent of Americans do not support the legalization of marijuana and 47 percent fully support its legalization, while six percent remain undecided. Last year the same poll resulted in to 52% of American’s opposition against legalization of marijuana.

Disclaimer: A large part of this article was written consulting online research works. The information provided above is intended, but not promised or guaranteed to be current, complete or up to date. However, honest efforts have been made to provide comprehensive information for the benefit of users.

Image Courtesy: (A) BusinessInsider (B) Inquisitr

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